Either way, none of this dog and pony show is much of a surprise. You certainly wouldn’t expect Senator Leahy to call one of the people who had their sites illegally seized to hear their side of the story. I mean, that might be embarrassing to actually hear that there’s more than one side to this. He might have to hear about how the content creators themselves sent the content in question to these sites, and how the ICE affidavit to seize them misstated the facts of whether or not the content was infringing. He might have to hear how ICE didn’t even ask the actual copyright holders, in most cases. He might have to hear how ICE doesn’t seem to understand the technology, and doesn’t seem to understand the difference between linking and distribution. He doesn’t have to hear about how hardworking people who helped promote new artists and build their careers now live in fear of their own government. He doesn’t have to hear about how these people are afraid to speak out, because the Justice Department has told them that if they do, they may face criminal charges.

No, it’s easier to put on a show and pat yourself on the back for censoring those people and pretend that you’ve done something productive.

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